Easy Chicken Caprese (Air Fryer)

Juicy chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer, filled with fresh tomato slices and melty mozzarella cheese, then topped with a sweet balsamic glaze and basil. This simple meal is perfect for two but can easily be doubled for the whole family.


Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 oz / 55g mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced into half-moons
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Balsamic Glaze:

  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze

  1. Pour the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into a pan.
  2. Heat on medium. Let it boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
  3. Cook until the liquid thickens and reduces to about half.
  4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
  2. Place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make 4–5 deep cuts (slits) in each piece — don’t cut all the way through.
  3. Season the outside of the chicken and inside the slits with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Drizzle a little olive oil over each breast.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Preheat your air fryer at 350°F / 180°C for 5 minutes.
  2. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the basket and cook for 6 minutes on one side.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Filling

  1. Take the chicken out of the air fryer.
  2. Carefully stuff the slits with mozzarella slices and tomato pieces.
  3. Put the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes — just until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

Step 5: Final Touch

  1. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the chicken.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks:

  • Make sure your chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Air fryer models may vary, so check doneness with a meat thermometer.
  • Slightly aged mozzarella melts better than fresh mozzarella.
  • For extra flavor, use ripe red tomatoes and high-quality balsamic vinegar.

Easy Chicken Caprese (Air Fryer)

Description:
Juicy air-fried chicken stuffed with mozzarella and tomato, topped with sweet balsamic glaze and basil. A quick, tasty dinner for two!

Duration:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 oz / 55g mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Boil balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, then simmer until thick. Let it cool.
  2. Cut slits into chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F / 180°C. Cook chicken for 6 minutes per side.
  5. Take out and stuff slits with mozzarella and tomato.
  6. Cook for 2 more minutes until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through.
  7. Drizzle balsamic glaze and top with basil. Serve warm.

Notes:

  • Always check chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s fully cooked.
  • You can prepare the balsamic glaze ahead and store it in the fridge.

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